Catechism for Young Children · Question 56 of 145
What is it to repent?
A.To be sorry for sin, and to hate and forsake it because it is displeasing to God.
What does this answer mean?
To repent is to be sorry for sin, and to hate and forsake it because it displeases God. Repentance is more than feeling bad about getting caught. It is turning away from sin because God is displeased with it. It is God's gift as well as our act (question 58).
What can we ask our children?
- What is it to repent?
- What is the difference between being sorry you were caught and being sorry you sinned?
- What does 'forsake' mean?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 56 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 56 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 51 to 60
- Copywork for questions 51 to 60
- All Catechism for Young Children printables
Text: Catechism for Young Children: Being an Introduction to the Shorter Catechism, Presbyterian Board of Publication (copyright entered 1840). Public domain (1840).
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.